Same Sex Partner Coverage In House Bill?

Looking through the House Tri-Committee bill I found a small provision that could have huge implications for the gay community. On page 9-10 the term “dependents” and “family” are defined as:

DEPENDENT.—The term ‘‘dependent’’ has the meaning given such term by the Commissioner and includes a spouse.

FAMILY.—The term ‘‘family’’ means an individual and includes the individual’s dependents.
This passage gives the Commissioner wide power to define the term “dependent”. I believe this would allow the Commissioner to define “dependent” to include same sex partners legally connected in some manner (i.e., civil unions). My interpretation could be completely wrong, but I think the definition of “dependent” is something the LGBT community should keep a close eye on.

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